Lawyers’ Society Calls for Unconditional Release of JFK
Sia Lucy Kannah The Lawyers’ Society expresses its deep concern regarding the detention of Joseph F. Kamara (JFK) following the decision to cite him for contempt of the Supreme Court.
The Society affirms its profound respect for the Bench and the authority of the courts in the conduct of proceedings and overall administration of justice.
The Society notes that Mr Kamara has mentored hundreds of lawyers in Sierra Leone and has made a significant contribution to the development of the legal profession.
Throughout his career, as Deputy Prosecutor of the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Kamara has demonstrated respect and candour to both the Bench and the Bar. His publicly tendered apology in the Supreme Court should therefore be considered in that context and accepted as a meaningful step towards resolving this matter.
The Society respectfully calls on the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court to reconsider the decision to cite Mr Kamara for contempt and to give due consideration to the apology that has been publicly tendered by releasing him unconditionally. The Society believes that a measured approach would uphold the dignity of the Court while also recognising the important role played by the Bar in the administration of justice.
The Society further urges all parties to remain focused on the constitutional questions before the Court. The interests of justice require that the constitutional issues be determined carefully, dispassionately and without allowing collateral matters to override them.
‘’We hope that this matter can be resolved in a manner that preserves the dignity of the Court, protects the proper role of counsel and allows attention to return to the constitutional issues requiring determination.’’
The Lawyers’ Society reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement with the Judiciary and to promoting a professional relationship founded on mutual respect between the Bench and the Bar.
